Shenandoah, IA
Population 4,913 · Iowa
About Shenandoah, IA
Shenandoah is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,913 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,469 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shenandoah features a median home value of $110,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shenandoah one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $762, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,492 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,259 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (900 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shenandoah shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shenandoah have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Shenandoah residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shenandoah, IA
Compared to national averages, Shenandoah has a median household income of $52,469 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,000, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $762 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Shenandoah's income is 23% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 17% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Shenandoah, IA?
Shenandoah offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $762/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,469) that falls below the national average. However, Shenandoah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shenandoah has a population of 4,913 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Shenandoah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Shenandoah
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlan | 4,896 | $54,923 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Vinton | 4,948 | $65,488 | $146,400 | Compare |
| Iowa Falls | 5,062 | $53,051 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Humboldt | 4,761 | $70,661 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Sergeant Bluff | 5,090 | $122,610 | $287,600 | Compare |
| Le Claire | 4,718 | $100,404 | $300,200 | Compare |
| Glenwood | 5,118 | $69,320 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Manchester | 5,144 | $58,578 | $130,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shenandoah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shenandoah
What is the population of Shenandoah, IA?
The population of Shenandoah, IA is 4,913 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Shenandoah?
The median household income in Shenandoah, IA is $52,469 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shenandoah?
The median home value in Shenandoah, IA is $110,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shenandoah?
The median monthly rent in Shenandoah, IA is $762, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shenandoah?
The unemployment rate in Shenandoah, IA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shenandoah, IA a good place to live?
Shenandoah offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,913 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shenandoah, IA?
18.2% of residents in Shenandoah aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Shenandoah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shenandoah, IA: median home value is $110,000 (55% below national), median rent is $762/month, and median household income is $52,469. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shenandoah?
The poverty rate in Shenandoah, IA is 22.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Shenandoah, IA?
Shenandoah's population is 3.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.